Weak Power

Some say the hero in a story—tragic or not—should be a strong minded man who can think for himself, be courageous, and make good things happen for other people. Ironically, the “hero” in the story Macbeth is none of the above. Macbeth is psychologically a very weak man. His weakness is shown mostly by how easily manipulated he is by others such as the witches, lady Macbeth, and by his psychological response to the crimes he has committed. It all starts with a short scene with the witches.
The Witches are foul creatures. They will do anything to toy with Macbeth. Their Predictions are puzzling to Macbeth in the way that they tend to sound so great yet be slightly misleading. Upon first impression, the witches greet Macbeth with some rather appealing words. “All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis.” “…Cawdor.” “All hail, Macbeth, That shalt be king hereafter” –The witches (1.3.49-53). He becomes intrigued by what he is hearing and really takes it to heart. “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more.”- Macbeth (1.3.72). One may pick up the feeling from this that he may have low self-esteem issues—a weak quality in a thane. One would get this impression because Now that the idea that he could become king is planted in his head, it starts to take over his thoughts. He wants to believe nothing more than, that he will be all-powerful; even despite Banquo’s advice to not believe every word the witches say. “But ‘tis strange, and often times, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, to betray us in deepest consequence.”- Banquo (1.3.133-137). All he can think about now is: how can he become king? It seems murder would be the only option. “Present fears are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is so fantastical.” –Macbeth (1.3.149-151). To go to such desperate lengths to become king after a prediction that could or could not be legitimate, one would say, requires a degree of desperation to build ones...